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Cairn
Cairn puts you in the boots of Daisy, a brave explorer whose mission is to climb an immense, never-ending tower. As you ascend, you encounter strange creatures that grant you the power to manipulate the terrain. This unique ability lets you literally shape the path, leaving your mark on the tower itself. The core of the game is a moral choice: will...
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Cairn Reviews
Professional reviews from gaming critics
Cairn is something truly special. A game that makes you climb in isolation, giving you and Aava time for quiet contemplation, enough so that you feel the embodiment of the character and can’t help but face her struggles like they were your own. With an outstanding gameplay loop and so much freedom to climb where and how you like, Cairn is incredible.
Cairn is just really nice to play, with an emotionally gripping story and beautiful sights. You will struggle and get frustrated, but you will overcome whatever is in your way.
There’s a popular trope in media that the lone hero who persists against all odds should be celebrated without limits, and that any amount of endurance and sacrifice is worth it to surpass and succeed, no matter the cost to self or others. Cairn is the rare narrative that says something more nuanced, simultaneously celebrating the triumph against seemingly impossible odds, while also painting the painful picture of obsession and selfishness that are often left unspoken. That would be notewo...
Cairn sits somewhere between the narrative-focused climb of Jusant and the punishing simulation of New Heights, but it leans harder into survival than either. In this Cairn review, we explore how The Game Bakers turn a simple ascent into something far more demanding, blending stamina management, hunger, and harsh environmental…
Cairn is a magical zen journey into the world of mountaineering. The story is quite compelling with its subtle nature, the visuals utilize the cel-shaded art style beautifully, and the gameplay is perfectly satisfying, making the mechanics of climbing and managing your health feel challenging and fun. While there are some physics glitches, these problems are minor compared to just how good the overall game is.
Very few games have mechanics that sing in such unison like Cairn, much less with such a unique voice. Whether you're a fan of the genre, an adventure junkie or seeking a challenge, make the climb.
The Game Bakers are one of those indie developers that I will always look forward to what’s coming next from them. It all started off in 2016 with the fantastic “1-Hit Kill Boss Rush” game Furi, which was tough, stylish and unique at the time. Since then, every game The Game Bakers have put out has offered something vastly different, from their smaller Squids Odyssey to their captivating Haven. Their latest game asks one simple question: What if Death Stranding was about heights, not di...
Cairn | Review | From the creators of Sifu, a climbing simulator with an instantly recognizable style: the first gem of 2026?
If a harsh climbing simulator is your thing, Cairn does a great job of providing you with the treacherous conditions of an ambitious mountain climb. It's an outstanding little game in respects to how strategy and perseverance can assist you in reaching your goals and ultimately the Mount Kami summit.
Cairn delivers a demanding climb that tests physical endurance and inner resolve in ways most games avoid. From your first reach on Mount Kami it becomes
Frustrating and relaxing in equal measure, there's something quite special about Cairn, a game all about climbing a mountain. It perfectly captures the tension and peril of every hand and foot movement while also weaving in some light-hearted story sequences along the way. While every misplaced foot might make you swear, the elation of reaching each incremental goal is quite unlike anything else.
A flawed but brilliant mountaineering game that splices survival gameplay and a fascinating four-limb climbing system with exploration, risk-taking, and the emotional fallout from a climber’s loved ones.